The Sri Lankan navy has reportedly damaged the fishing nets of some 20 Indian boats, who were fishing near Katchatheevu, reports PTI.
Fishermen Association president S Emerit stated that 535 boats had left Rameswaram to go fishing, when Sri Lankan navy personnel in 5 navy vessels approached them near Katchatheevu. The Sri Lankan troops then proceeded to snap the nets of 5 boats and threatened the fishermen at gunpoint, said Emerit.
The latest incident comes as the Sri Lankan navy handed over 94 Tamil Nadu fishermen to the Indian Coast Guard, releasing them from custody.
Earlier this week, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Paneerselvam wrote to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Sri Lankan navy's treatment of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
See our earlier post: Tamil Nadu CM seeks Modi intervention for release of fishing boats held by Sri Lanka (16 October 2014)
Also see:
Indian fisherman files complaint against Swamy over boats (14 October 2014)
Tamil Nadu concerned at 'new trend' of fishermen detention by SL navy (08 October 2014)
New Tamil Nadu CM writes to Modi urging fishermen's release (01 October 2014)
Four Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka (23 September 2014)
PMK condemns reports that Sri Lanka is auctioning off detained boats (20 September 2014)
SL navy arrests 53 Indian fishermen (11 September 2014)
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